Goa Yachting Association (GYA) has sailed past the 50th Year mark! Recently the members of GYA gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary. The event was held at the GYA sailing center at Hawaii Beach overlooking the Dona Paula bay, arguably one of the most spectacular and iconic locations for a boat club. With members ranging in age from tiny tots to octogenarians, it was a day of appreciation for the forebearers, patrons of the association and a celebration of the members with a shared passion for sailing.
“The medal haul by GYA sailors at the National Games, was the largest haul of any of the Olympic sports by a Goan sport association; and also the highest number of medals in the yachting discipline, amongst all the Indian states!”RAINER DIAS
President, Goa Yachting Association
GYA has grown from a 2-craft club in the early 80s, and today is proudly able to offer something for every level of sailor, across 10 different categories of sailing. A recent infusion of infrastructure for hosting the 37th National Games means the club boasts an array of new equipment and updated infrastructure, leaving a legacy that will remain for years to come. In the last 8-10 years, the membership has more than doubled. The organisation stays afloat only because of the passion of its members and the contributions (in time and money) made by them and well-wishers. “The medal haul by GYA sailors at the National Games, was the largest haul of any of the Olympic sports by a Goan sport association and also the highest number of medals in the yachting discipline, amongst all the Indian states!” says President Rainer Dias. The event’s Chief Guest Admiral Karambir Singh felicitated the contributions of Antonio David Sousa and inaugurated the new proprietary ‘Learn to Sail Program’, with the book launch of the Seabird Helm’s Test’written by veteran sailors and former coaches Umaji Chowgule, Ashwin Tombat and Divya Sahasrabuddhe; while, founding member Cesar Menezes bequeathed the association with two Seabird class sailing boats. The day reflected the values and camaraderie shared by generations of Goan sailors who have built up the organisation through dedicated and proactive participation.
